Mental Health Budget Protests

28/04/2016. Metal Health protest. The Union of Students in Ireland and the Mental Health Reform organisation outside Leinster House in Dublin today, as they protest against the metal health budget Diversion of 12million and to ensure mental health is a priority for the next government. Photo:RollingNews.ie

There were mass protests outside the Dáil on April 28, as hundreds gathered to oppose the government’s proposed cuts to its mental health budget.

The money set aside for mental health currently stands at €35 million but suggested cuts in 2016 would see this figure drop by a third.

The government intends to divert €12 million to other areas of the Health Service Executive but opponents have called for full budget protection.

Part of the motivation for protesters was the 148 empty Dail seats during the discussions on Mental Health this week.